Hey all! 1st things 1st.. Tiny, my hat's off to ya buddy. From dwc in a tent to ebb n gro in a custom room, you get it done with impressive results. I've learned much from your posts, thanks for your efforts.

Alright on to the subject. I have a perpetual grow running 3 ebb n grow systems, with 12-18 sites each, depending on the strain.

I'm not sure if you all are aware of this or not, so I thought better throw it out there.. c.a.p. changed the system sometime between late spring and early summer. The new system has a different bucket design that incorporates a 1 in lip in the bottom of the outer bucket. They then cut a channel in the bottom where the fitting attaches, making the fitting the lowest spot in the bucket.

The new control bucket seems identical to the old one dimension wise. The difference is the new system only uses 2 float switches instead of 3, and they moved the lower switch to the very bottom of the bucket. It's now so low, the pump had a hard time getting the water low enough to trip the switch. I just removed the suction cups off the bottom of the pump to get it low enough to actuate the switch properly. These changes reduced the standing water from 1.5-2" in the older style, down to under a 1/2 inch. I put a piece of osb under each bucket and woo-hoo, I have dry buckets!!!

I happen to have 2 new systems and 1 old. I bought new style buckets for the old system and am about 2 weeks from trying it. I'm not sure how much the difference between the switch locations is gonna effect the results. We'll see if it works out.

1 word of caution to those expanding their systems. The expansion kits that I've ordered since summer have been the new style. Not because I ordered them that way, but because that's what you get when you order a kit. And even though the fittings are at the lowest point of the bucket, they are still a half inch or so higher than the old style. This difference actually raises the water level in the older bucket by, well, a half inch or so. Further adding to the problem. At least it did in my setup..

To address the root issues, (which btw are inherent in many systems) we use nylon window screen between the inner and outer buckets. You can get it by the roll at most any home improvement store. Haven't had a problem since.

Alright, there's what I know. Now, this is what I think... Although this system is certainly not without it's problems, it still has a hell of a lot of bang for the buck. They are versatile, in my experience reliable, and produce very impressive results. It's all in the details. A grow is a constant work in progress. I've never had one yet that couldn't be improved. As a wise man once told me, "If you ain't improvin, you ain't growin!!!" HahaHaaa, I loved that old guy!!!

Keep up the great work folks. I'm back quiet... PEACE!